B.Sc. Nursing | Course Details

Last Updated on July 28, 2023 by Vishnu Nambiar

Name of Course:	B.Sc. Nursing
Duration:	4 years
Eligibility Criteria:	10+2 passed with PCB subjects
Qualification Awarded:	Bachelor’s Degree

In this article, we will have an in-depth analysis of B.Sc. Nursing course. It is a job oriented course that can be pursued by students who have completed 10+2 (Science stream, with PCB subjects) from a recognized board. This article covers vital course details such as duration, eligibility criteria, admission process, syllabus and career prospects. Nursing aspirants will find this article very informative and useful. If you are interested in the profession of nursing, the details mentioned in this article will help you make an informed choice!

Nurses are trained healthcare professionals who are capable of taking care of patients, treating them and assisting Doctors in treatment and surgery. A qualified RN (Registered Nurse) is capable of providing preventive, promotive, curative and rehabilitative services to patients (individuals) and communities.

 

Nurses usually work under qualified Doctors. They are also capable of making independent decisions when such a situation arrives.

 

Nurses usually work in healthcare setups such as hospitals (Government and Private), clinics, nursing homes & NGOs. They are also capable of providing services at rural & community level healthcare initiatives and schemes.

 

Nursing is a noble profession. Nurses bring relief into the lives of patients! It is a challenging and satisfying job. Apart from that, the job is also financially rewarding.

 

Nurses work tirelessly, serving patients and assisting Doctors. Each patient is unique and has his/her set of problems and diseases. Serving and treating patients suffering from different diseases is a challenging task. To perform such a daunting task, nurses stay focused and pay attention to small details!

 

At the end of the day, a nurse brings smile and happiness on the faces of patients! For many nurses, this smile brings with it that sense of satisfaction and happiness.

 

In short, nursing is more than just a profession. It is an opportunity to serve and treat patients. One can really bring about a change in the society through this profession!

 

Before heading to the meat of the matter- course details- let us take a look at the skills and qualities required to thrive in this profession. A good nurse has the following qualities –

• Must be compassionate. Must have caring attitude towards patients.
• Ability to work at odd hours.
• Stamina and will to work for long hours without taking any break.
• Must have patience. Must be adept at dealing with patients belonging to different age groups (children, adults and aged folks).
• Good communication skills. Must be good at interdepartmental coordination and patient education.
• Must be disciplined. Must be focused at work.
• Must have sound nursing knowledge and skills.
• Must have an eye for detail.
• Willingness to keep oneself up-to-date with the developments occurring in the world of nursing.
• Must have honesty and integrity. Must stand up for the rights of patients.

 

Now that we’ve seen the basic details about the profession of nursing, let us move to the meat of the matter- course details!

 

B.Sc. Nursing: Course Details

 

Type of course

B.Sc. Nursing is a Degree program (Bachelor of Science Degree). INC (Indian Nursing Council) is the body governing the aspects of nursing education in India. B.Sc. Nursing course follows the syllabus prescribed by the INC.

 

The course consists of a holistic mixture of classroom lectures and hands on practical sessions. While securing admission, make sure that the institute is recognized by the INC!

 

Duration

B.Sc. Nursing course is 4 years long.

 

Eligibility criteria

Students who have passed 10+2 (Science stream- with Physics, Chemistry and Biology subjects) from a recognized board are eligible to pursue this course. Minimum aggregate marks criteria may exist (in case of some institutes).

 

Admission process

Reputed institutes follow merit based admission process. Under this scheme, marks scored by students in 10+2 board examination and/or relevant entrance test (national, state or institute-wise) are taken into consideration. Seats are allotted to deserving candidates on the basis of merit marks obtained by them.

 

Syllabus

1st year subjects

• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Microbiology
• Nutrition
• Biochemistry
• Psychology
• Communication Skills
• Basics of Nursing

 

2nd year subjects

• Pharmacology
• Medical Surgical Nursing
• Pathology and Genetics
• Sociology
• Community Health Nursing

 

3rd year subjects

• Child Health Nursing
• Mental Health Nursing
• Maternity Nursing
• Medical Surgical Nursing

 

4th year subjects

• Maternity Nursing
• Community Health Nursing
• Nursing Research and Statistics
• Management of Nursing Services and Education

 

As mentioned before, the academic program consists of a holistic mixture of classroom lectures and practical sessions. Apart from that, the program also has regular internship and hospital training sessions/modules.

 

PG courses and further studies

M.Sc. Nursing is the most preferred PG course among nursing graduates. M.Sc. course opens doors of opportunities in front of graduates. After completing M.Sc., one may venture into the teaching sector (educator). Apart from that, M.Sc. Degree earns them the ‘specialist’ tag! This qualification helps them have access to professionals posts like educator, specialist, consultant or administrator!

 

M.Sc. is 2 years long PG program. There also exist many specialties, when it comes to M.Sc. Nursing program. Well known specialties include –

• Child Health (Paediatric) Nursing
• Mental Health Nursing
• Medical Surgical Nursing
• Obstetric & Gynaecologic Nursing
• Community Health Nursing
• Critical Care Nursing
• Orthopaedic Nursing
• Oncology Nursing

Career prospects and job opportunities

Nurses are healthcare professionals. They play an important role in the smooth functioning of healthcare sector. Nurses usually work under qualified Doctors. Nursing professionals with PG Degree may advance on to roles like specialist, educator, administrator etc.

 

Healthcare setups are the main recruiters. Nurses can be seen working in healthcare setups like –

• Hospitals (Government and Private)
• Clinics
• Nursing Homes
• Rehabilitation Clinics/Centres
• Community Health Centres
• NGOs

 

Apart from that, they may also find work in healthcare initiatives and schemes run by the Government (targeting communities and rural areas). Nurses possessing PG Degree may even work at Nursing schools/institutes as educators!

 

It is not uncommon to see Indian nurses moving to Australia, New Zealand, Europe, USA, Gulf Countries and plying their trade there. In fact, there is huge demand for qualified Indian nurses in those countries! Pay and perks they offer is much more than what it is in India. In short, Indian nurses stand a chance to earn much more abroad, than what they can earn in India.

 

Also read:

Nursing courses in India

Courses after 12th Science Biology group

Nutrition and Dietician courses

GNM course

ANM course

Paramedical courses

Medical entrance exams in India

 

Common job profiles available in front of nurses include (depending upon their qualification and specialization) –

• Chief Nursing Officer
• Assistant Nursing Officer
• Rehabilitation Specialist
• Critical Care Nurse
• Paramedic Nurse
• Nurse Manager
• Educator/Instructor/Lecturer
• Community Health Specialist